EGG DONOR FAQ

EGG DONOR FAQ

What are the risks?
The primary risk is Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This is relatively rare as careful monitoring is done by a fertility specialist. Symptoms include weight gain and extreme bloating. During screening with a physician, inquire about all risks and potential side effects of the medications and medical procedures. Egg Donor Risks & Complications.

Will I be able to have children after egg donation?
Yes. A normal female has a pool of about 400,000 follicles (hence eggs) by the time of puberty. From these, only 400 will reach maturity and be ovulated. This leaves approximately 399,600 unused. By ovarian stimulation, we develop extra eggs that would otherwise be destroyed. This explains why the normal pool of ovarian follicles is not depleted by egg donation.

How long will this process take?
Once an egg donor is in cycle, the process is quite short, approximately 6 weeks. However, before beginning a cycle, an egg donor must be “selected” and this can sometimes takes several months.

Will I miss school or work?
Most appointments are scheduled for early in the morning so the egg donor will have as little disruption to her schedule as possible. The retrieval day will require an entire missed day. Most egg donors return to school or work the following day. Due to the time sensitive nature of the procedures, it is most important that an egg donor recognize the level of responsibility required in making and keeping appointments.

Does egg donation cost me anything?
No. The prospective parents are responsible for all egg donor costs incurred as a result of an egg donation cycle. These expenses include egg donor compensation, all egg donor medical costs, insurance, attorney fees and travel expenses.

How much compensation is paid to egg donors?
Egg donors are paid for their time, dedication and generosity. Egg donor fees vary by region and prior egg donation experience. Those who have exceptional qualities or advanced degrees may be paid more egg donor compensation. Learn more about compensation paid to egg donors.

Can I donate eggs if my tubes are tied?
Yes. The aspiration of eggs occurs before the eggs are released by the body. Therefore it is irrelevant as to whether an egg donor’s tubes are tied.

What if I am on birth control?
It is fine to be using birth control pills or other forms of contraceptives such as an IUD or Nuvo Ring. However, we cannot accept egg donors using Depo-Provera Injections as a form of birth control.

What are the medications I must take?
A physician will determine what medications will be given. Over the course of approximately 3 weeks, an egg donor will self-inject three different hormones. The first will prevent ovulation. The second hormone medication is responsible for the production of follicles (hence eggs). Lastly, a hormone medication will be given to mature the eggs and induce ovulation.

Are the medications I take safe?
The medications taken for fertility treatment and egg donation are used throughout Nigeria and the world. This widespread use is the result of rigorous testing for effectiveness and safety by the scientific community and the FDA in the USA.

How do I give myself injections?
Instructions will be given on how to administer the daily injections. All injections are subcutaneous (under the skin), so they are easy to self-administer. The syringes used have a very small needle and are usually well tolerated by the egg donor.

Will I undergo surgery?
No. Eggs are retrieved vaginally. There is no surgical cut. For the egg donor’s comfort, the procedure is performed under IV sedation. It is required that the egg donor have a companion to take her home as she is not allowed to drive after the egg retrieval.